Drone Surveys for Planning Permission in the UK: What Local Councils Accept and Require

Planning Applications and Survey Requirements

When applying for planning permission in England and Wales, applicants must submit plans and drawings that describe the proposed development and its relationship to the surrounding area. The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 set out the requirements for what must be included with an application.

The standard plans required with most planning applications include:

• Location plan: Showing the site in relation to its surroundings, typically at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale, based on Ordnance Survey mapping.
• Site plan (block plan): Showing the layout of the site at a larger scale (typically 1:200 or 1:500), including existing and proposed buildings, access roads, and boundaries.
• Elevation drawings: Showing the external appearance of buildings from each side.
• Floor plans and sections: Where relevant to the application.

What Drone Surveys Can Provide for Planning

Drone surveys are particularly useful for generating several types of data that feed directly into planning applications:

Topographic surveys

A drone with photogrammetric processing can produce detailed topographic surveys showing ground levels, existing features, vegetation, and structures. This data is valuable for designing developments on sloping sites, assessing drainage, and demonstrating how a proposed development relates to existing ground levels.

Orthophotos

Georeferenced aerial photographs (orthophotos) provide an accurate, up-to-date view of the site and its surroundings. These can be used as a base for site plans and can supplement Ordnance Survey mapping, particularly where OS data does not reflect recent changes to the site.

3D models and elevation data

Drone photogrammetry can generate 3D models of existing buildings and structures. This data can be used to produce elevation drawings, cross-sections, and visual impact assessments — all of which may be required as part of a planning application.

Volume calculations

For applications involving earthworks — such as land levelling, quarry restoration, or landfill — drone surveys can provide accurate cut-and-fill volume calculations based on surface models.

What Local Planning Authorities Expect

Local planning authorities (LPAs) — typically district or borough councils — assess planning applications. Their requirements for plans and drawings are broadly consistent, but there can be variation between authorities. Key expectations include:

• OS referencing: Location plans must be based on Ordnance Survey mapping. A drone orthophoto alone is not usually accepted as a location plan, but drone-derived site plans can be overlaid onto OS mapping.
• Scale bars and north points: All plans must include a scale bar, a north point, and the OS National Grid reference for the site.
• Accuracy: Plans must be accurate enough to clearly show the extent and position of the proposed development. LPAs do not typically specify a numerical accuracy standard, but the plan must be demonstrably fit for purpose.
• Paper and digital formats: Most LPAs accept digital submissions through the Planning Portal. Drone-derived plans should be submitted in standard formats (typically PDF).

Tips for Using Drone Data in Planning Applications

• Check with the LPA first. Before commissioning a drone survey specifically for a planning application, check with the local planning authority whether they have any specific requirements or preferences regarding drone-derived data.
• Use OSGB36 coordinates. All drone survey outputs should be in the OSGB36 coordinate system to align with Ordnance Survey mapping.
• Combine with OS mapping. Use drone data to supplement and update Ordnance Survey mapping rather than replace it. An orthophoto overlaid onto the OS base provides both the official reference framework and up-to-date site detail.
• Include metadata. Provide information about when the survey was carried out, the accuracy achieved, and the methodology used. This helps the planning officer assess the reliability of the information.
• Engage a qualified surveyor. For complex applications, having the drone survey conducted by or under the supervision of a qualified surveyor adds credibility and helps ensure the data meets professional standards.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

In Scotland, planning permission is governed by the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, and applications are submitted to the local authority or through the eDevelopment Scotland portal. In Northern Ireland, the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 applies. The types of plans and drawings required are broadly similar, but the specific requirements and submission processes differ. Drone survey data can support applications in all three jurisdictions.